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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Planting Paperwhites

One of my late Fall traditions of the last few years has been planting Paperwhites for the upcoming Holidays. Each year I look forward to their wonderful pristine white blooms filling the darkening days of Fall and Winter. I've collected quite a few vintage "containers" in the last few years, so part of the fun of planting the bulbs is digging out my stash and deciding which ones to use.

I unbagged my bulbs and have them in an old strawberry flat with boxes that I've whitewashed. I just enjoy looking at them, while they wait their turn to be planted.

I'm going for a Nature themed Christmas this year,

so these will be just the first of that inspiration coming up.

As you can see, my helper is here.

Now if I can just keep her away from them.

I don't want chewed shoots...

A McCoy matte vase, an old chipped sugar bowl, and a new find, which is a French measuring pitcher, are readied for my first planting.

I use pea gravel as a base, then just a little potting mix. Just enough to cover the bottom 1/3 of the bulb. Too much water or soil will cause them to rot. In a day or two I'll sprinkle moss on top, which helps hold in the moisture.

40 comments:

Oh my gosh, how fun! My post is going up later this week! I always plant paper whites and amaryllis the week after Halloween and they usually bloom just in time for Christmas! I love your containers and can't wait to see the rest of your deocrations! xo, Kimberly

Debra, now you've inspired me to try again. I got some at a "big box store" last year and they bloomed but had an AWFUL smell..sort of plastic-y. I looked at one of your older posts and saw that you use the Ziva variety. I'll see if I can find some locally. Thanks for the inspiration.Babs

I was just thinking of doing some paperwhites. I'm so glad you shared your vintage containers. I'm going to make a few for family to take as they leave on Thanksgiving night. Miss you! Trying to get back into the swing of things again. Hope all is well.

Debra,Wanting to try my hand at planting "paperwhites" this year. Most I've seen seem to be in water, but I think your idea of potting soil sounds more correct! Tomorrow is "errand day" On Crooked Creek...so, guess I'd better get them added to my list!!! Thanks for the tips for planting!Fondly,Pat

I have some planted by the back gate that I get to enjoy around my December birthday. I look forward to trying the alcohol water to make some shorter indoor blooms! I look forward to following your future posts.

Ok, if you promise I can't mess this up I will give it a try. My thumb is not that green and often things don't grow well for me. I would love for you to link this up to my Fall into Fall party going on right now. Hope to see you there.

OK! You have convinced me! I am definitely doing this! I adore Paperwhites, and have wanted to grow some for awhile!! Thanks for the encouragement, Debra! You rock! Sending you an email!Hugs to you!Becky

Hi Debra,I was just thinking today that I needed to get my Paperwhites. I plant them every year. Have for as long as I can remember. Although, the older I get the more I can't remember. lol! Planning on planting them in my different pieces of vintage milk glass this year. Love all of your fun containers. I had a gorgeous Amaryllis last year. I cut it off and stuck in in my cold storage just to see what would happen. The other day I noticed that it was growing beautifully. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.Hugs,Jann

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About Me

Hey there...It's me Debra, and I'm so glad you're here! I've been married to my best friend for most of my life, a mom of two grown daughters, and living in SW Missouri with my two kitty girls who love to be part of the blog. Hope you'll be with me on the journey as I love to decorate with all things vintage, and share a little DIY along the way.